Canada Goose Defends Itself Against Bald Eagle in Rare Ice Battle

A Canada goose fought off a bald eagle in a rare encounter on an icy bay in Burlington, Ontario. Photographer Mervyn Sequeira witnessed and captured the 20-minute battle, highlighting an unusual clash between two birds symbolic of Canada and the United States.

A Rare Wildlife Encounter

Sequeira, a retired airline captain and avid wildlife photographer, was out with his family at LaSalle Marina when they noticed a bald eagle swooping down towards the ice. Expecting a routine hunt, they were surprised to see a lone Canada goose standing its ground.

Bald eagles typically prey on smaller animals, including ducks and muskrats, but rarely target geese due to their size. The eagle made several attempts to overpower the goose, but the waterfowl resisted. After 20 minutes, the eagle abandoned its attack and flew away.

Natural Behavior or Symbolic Battle?

The battle took place as tensions between Canada and the U.S. escalated due to trade disputes. Some observers see the fight as a symbol of Canada’s resilience, while others view it purely as a natural event.

Sequeira prefers to focus on wildlife behavior rather than political interpretations. “It’s quite a coincidence that it happened now,” he said, adding that predators often target weaker animals during winter when food is scarce.

Survival Instincts on Display

Sequeira noted that the goose appeared unwell, which may have made it a target. “Nature removes the weak,” he explained, pointing out that bald eagles often hunt sick waterfowl when ice prevents them from catching fish. Despite its condition, the goose managed to survive the attack, demonstrating remarkable resilience.

Growing Bald Eagle Population in Ontario

Bald eagles have become more common in Ontario, particularly around Cootes Paradise and the Royal Botanical Gardens. The first eagle hatchlings in 50 years were recorded in 2013, and sightings have steadily increased. While Canada geese remain abundant, bald eagle interactions with larger birds remain rare.

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